Sunday, May 20, 2012

Santiago Carrasco and Rosa Carrasco were convicted of two felony counts of grand theft and sentencing enhancements for aggravated white collar crime. These convictions result from a scam in which Santiago Carrasco faked his death in Mexico and obtained a death certificate. The couple then moved to the United States and Rosa and Santiago collected the Social Security and union pension death benefits from the fake death. They stole more than $413,000 in benefits and are now ordered to pay it back as restitution.

A white collar crime is a financially motivated, non-violent crime. Common white collar crimes include theft, bribery, burglary, embezzlement, fraud and forgery. In this case, the couple was convicted of grand theft which is the unlawful taking of another's property valued at over $950. Sentences for white collar crime convictions include prison/jail time and probation. You will also have to pay fines and restitution. Therefore, if you are charged with a white collar crime, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away to assist you.